How to Care for Dreadlocks

The dreadlocks hairstyle can easily be managed with the proper maintenance and the right hair products. When you find products for dreadlock care, it would be wise to stock up on them so you have them when you need them for this popular hairstyle.

Other People Are Reading

Things You'll Need

Rosemary oil

Jojoba oil

Hemp oil

Olive oil

Oil sheen

Rat tail comb

Satin scarf or cap

Instructions

Decide what type of dreadlocks hairstyle you will wear. Decide if you will wear baby dreadlocks or extension dreadlocks. Baby dreadlocks require a significant amount of time to grow to a desirable length but are low maintenance. Extension dreadlocks can be added to the hair quickly but can be costly over time because of the need to maintain the extension hair more often.

Use all natural products on your dreadlocks hairstyle. Essential oils such as rosemary oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil and olive oil are 3 main natural oils that are used on dreadlocks to coat them and keep them moisturized to avoid hair breakage. For natural oils, you can find products for dreadlock care in health food stores and in most beauty salons.

Apply a natural leave-in conditioner such as jojoba oil to the hair on a daily basis. This can be done only on the natural dreadlocks like the baby dreadlocks. For the extension dreadlocks, you can apply a very light misting of oil sheen to the hair to keep it from looking too dull. If you apply too much conditioning or oil-based products to dreadlocks extensions, it will cause the dreadlocks to mat and fall flat.

Maintain the natural dreadlocks by twisting them daily with a rat tail comb or with your fingers. Go around each lock in a twirling motion. Place a tiny amount of the jojoba oil on your fingers or the end of the comb as you do this.

Tie the dreadlocks down with a satin scarf or cap each night before bed. This helps the hair retain the natural oils and will also help keep the hair's natural shape.

Tips & Warnings

Baby dreadlocks are tiny locks that start with your own natural hair that has been cut down to 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Adult dreadlocks are locks that have grown out from the baby stage and are starting to hang down.